Where to eat in the Algarve, Portugal

Restaurante Lourenço in Salema

The June 2006 newsletter highlight of Salema mentioned a number of the restaurants that are all well worth a visit, but one that was not mentioned is the Restaurante Lourenço.

It is perhaps not surprising that this excellent family run restaurant sometimes gets overlooked, as it is situated a short distance out of the main centre of the village.

Parking in Salema can be difficult during popular times, and it is worth knowing that there is another large, if somewhat rough area of ground where you can park. Leaving the beach behind, follow the road through the square and up the hill. The car parking area is on the right and fortunately, at the top of this parking area, you can park with Restaurante Lourenço directly opposite.

The restaurant has indoor seating for about 25 and has a small terrace with three or four tables to the front. If the restaurant is full, you will be invited to sit on the terrace and enjoy a half carafe of house wine while you wait for a table to become available, not a bad idea to encourage you to stay!

Drinks are ordered first and while waiting for these to arrive the fish of the day is offered for inspection. Although fresh that day, it probably hasn't been caught by the Salema fishermen, as they seem to specialise in catching sardines in season, shrimps, lobsters, and squid. On a previous visit we had sampled a fish called, (I think) “anchova”. Nothing like an anchovy, this was an enormous fish for two to share, and was the most delicious fish I think I had ever tried. This time the sea bass was just too tempting and was selected before even looking at the rest of the menu.

The house wine (€3 per ½ L) is served in a glass carafe and although the price would suggest caution, it was most acceptable and very quickly needed refilling.

Couverts to start are to your choice, with the usual bread, butter, olives, cheese, and sardine pate on offer. The menu is limited, compared with other restaurants, but choice enough, and very reasonably priced.

We chose vegetable soup starters and these were obviously homemade, with the tasty addition of wilted spinach on top. For main courses, we had the grilled sea bass, which came with vegetables, potatoes and salad and chicken piri piri (quite hot piri piri) which again was served with vegetables, salad and this time - potato chips. (Perhaps next time we will ask for no chips).

Surprisingly, there was a wide choice of desert. The fresh strawberry tart with ice cream was delicious and so was the egg custard. Coffees and a complementary drink completed an excellent meal.

Lourenço's can be recommended. It is not a sophisticated, quiet and romantic place to eat ( in fact it can get quite boisterous at times) but it does offer excellent food and remarkable service - the whole restaurant was serviced by Paolo, who did everything - took orders, served the drinks, cleared tables and served the meals, without losing his smile and welcoming attitude - and no-one had to wait for anything.

The bill?  Two 3 course meals with beers, wines and coffees for €35, we'll be back.                                                    Jackie & Tony  2005

If you would like to know more about Portuguese Food and Drink, why don't you dip into our Restaurants in the Algarve section and our series of articles on Portuguese Wines and Ports.  We also feature some Traditional Portuguese Recipes and a glossary of useful Portuguese food & drink words and phrases

Choose Algarve Retreats for your Algarve holiday accommodation

apartments    villas    hotels    Pousadas    cruises    enquiries    home

For further information, please ring 01283 821072 or

email enquiries@algarve-retreats.com